The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Peter Joseph Askervitch (NSN: 2126519), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Southwest Pacific Area during the period 25 January 1945 to 19 April 1945. Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class Askervitch completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.